By Dennis Okechukwu
The Senate on Wednesday called on the Federal Government to consider sweeping emergency measures, including the possible suspension of political activities in eight states severely affected by insecurity.
The appeal followed a motion raised during plenary by the senator representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi, who warned that the worsening security situation requires urgent and decisive action.
He cautioned lawmakers against complacency, noting that the impact of insecurity extends beyond affected regions. Ningi proposed either a nationwide suspension of political activities or targeted restrictions in frontline states such as Borno, Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, and parts of Kano until the situation improves.
His remarks come amid renewed attacks by Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East, including assaults on military formations and threats against efforts to rescue abducted civilians.
In a related resolution, the Senate urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to secure the release of over 400 women, children, and elderly persons reportedly abducted in Borno State since late March.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Tahir Monguno and supported by Ali Ndume and Kaka Lawan, highlighting the urgent need to curb attacks on military bases.
Monguno expressed concern that recent coordinated attacks in Monguno and Benisheikh were undermining progress made in counter-insurgency operations and posing a serious threat to national security.
Ndume also raised alarm over the abducted victims, warning that insurgents had threatened to disperse them if swift action was not taken.
Other lawmakers, including Diket Plang, stressed that the continued targeting of military personnel was deepening fear nationwide and weakening confidence in the country’s security architecture.
In its resolutions, the Senate strongly condemned the attacks on military formations and observed a minute of silence in honour of fallen soldiers.
Lawmakers further called on the Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs to conduct a comprehensive review of military operations, identify gaps in equipment and strategy, and strengthen adherence to rules of engagement and humanitarian law.
They also urged communities to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely intelligence, while commending troops of Operation Hadin Kai for their efforts.
The concerns were heightened by a recent video reportedly released by a Boko Haram faction, showing abducted victims in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. In the footage, the insurgents issued threats against rescue attempts and warned of consequences if their demands were not met.
The victims were reportedly taken during an earlier attack on a military base in the area, where insurgents destroyed equipment, scattered troops, and abducted several civilians.
The latest developments have intensified fears in affected communities and renewed calls for stronger action to end the long-running insurgency in the region.